Unless you’ve been living under a stone these last few years, you’ll know that the construction industry is facing a skills crisis.

Brexit and the pandemic have left the industry with an ageing workforce who, after furlough, are choosing to hang up their muddy boots. There’s the other problem. The construction industry has a bit of a public image problem, particularly when attracting young people.

Not only is there a lack of aspiring plumbers, carpenters, joiners and installers, there’s fewer skilled tradespeople to pass their knowledge on to the next generation.

Fewer people, more work.

The CITB has estimated that the industry needs another 217,000 workers over the next five years to offset this loss, together with projected productivity gains and changes in the workload mix.

They forecast a bounce back from the pandemic, with an 11% rise in construction output this year followed by a steady 3% growth each year until 2025.

So where does that leave you? It’s great news that the construction industry is strong, but getting materials and skills on site is proving to be a major headache.

Pre-plumbed units ease the pain.

More construction is being moved off site and pre-plumbed IPS panelling systems, like Vepps, are a good example of that.

Vepps is the next generation in IPS systems. By fitting and testing the sanitaryware and sanitary assemblies in the factory, everything is delivered as a ready-made unit. It can result in big time and cost savings without having to source carpenters and timber to build the frames and plumbers to fit the sanitaryware.

It’s easier from a health and safety perspective - less people, less risk of infection and generally less dust and dirt. And there’s also the environmental benefit of a single delivery and reduced packaging.

Four simple steps for installation - anyone can do it.

Precision engineering ensures the metal framed panels are supplied to your exact measurements. They can be quickly and easily installed in half the time of traditional plain panels and without the need for specialist trades.

This video, Why Buy Pre-plumbed, shows you how Vepps can save you time, money and aggravation.